James Delahunty
21 Sep 2013 0:20
The 64-bit processor that powers Apple's iPhone 5s is fabricated by Apple's great South Korean rival, Samsung.
Of course, all of Apple's custom designed AX chips that power its iPhones, iPads and iPod touch have been fabricated by Samsung's plants, but in recent years the relationship between both companies has soured considerable.
A global patent war erupted over similarities between the iPhone and iPad, and Samsung's Galaxy-branded smartphones and tablets.
It's no secret that Apple would like to cut Samsung out of its supply chain as much as possible, and reports suggest that it is eyeing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co to possible produce SoC's for future iPhones and iPads instead of its great rival.
An analysis of the iPhone 5s internal components by Chipworks found the A7 to be fabricated in Samsung's facilities, and seeks to confirm that the A7 utilizes Samsung's 28-nanometer Hi K metal Gate. The M7 motion coprocessor in the iPhone 5s is made by NXP.
Check the Chipworks analysis for more detailed information: chipworks.com